The Torch and The Test

We are getting into the games in our own way around here.

The Olympic movement definitely inspires the inner athlete in all of us to reach high and achieve. This year I signed up for the Test of Metal mountain bike race and the Squamish triathlon! The "test" is the stuff of local legend around here. This epic 67km mountain bike race boasts 1200m of hill climbs. I started training in October and this past weekend I completed my race in 5 hours and 20 minutes. I have to say I broke a chain and had a serious cramping fit about 4:30 into the event so that definitely gives me something to work on for next year! We also provide all the merchandise for this event and have done so for 8 years. This is the first year I was actually able to ride thanks to my wife and her parents for helping me achieve my own personal "gold medal"



In other news, my wife recently attended a pre-2010 event in Squamish and got to hold the torch! She also moonlights as a volunteer mascot on occasion. We can't tell you which one though as we are sworn to secrecy.

We have both completed our volunteer screening process for the games. Courtney has applied to be a part of the opening and closing ceramonies as a performer. I've applied to assist at the media centre in Whistler.

The best news is the Sea to Sky Highway project is nearly finished. We've been living in a construction zone for 4 years now.

2010 Volunteering

Slowly but surely, the games fever is taking over our area. Recently I completed a 3 hour volunteer training session in Squamish. I completed a detailed application form online and during the orientation session I was assigned to the media centre in Whistler next February.

Why did I choose to volunteer? Probably because I remember being 15 years old and dancing on the tables at the Calgary 88 games after Eddie "The Eagle" made his first ski jump off the big ramp at Calgary Olympic park. The energy in that place was something I'll never forget. Growing up in a small town 2 hours away meant that I was awestruck by the international crowd and the shear number of people attending the games. Volunteering for these games will give me an opportunity to get in the thick of the action once again and meet media from all over the world. I used to own a video production company and did a stint in radio, so that is where my media interest comes from.

Meanwhile Mrs. Idea Guy (Courtney) is volunteering as a mascot! Although I can't really tell you which one due to VANOCs rules. But lets just say that she is busy attending events and trying not to trip over her own feet in the huge mascot suit!